Chapter One
“They aren't ponies.”
“Eh, Lute, com’mon its yer day.” A masculine voice came out of the blue. Why was I being woken up, and what day? The voice repeated and this time with a nudge against my side “Lute, seriously, stop pretending and get up.” I groaned and just opened my eyes partially looking unamused. A dark blue stallion with a gray mane stood looking down upon me. I knew this stallion and I knew him well, he was that one stallion who just always gets on everyone’s nerves, Note-pad was his name.
“Dammit Note! Why did you wake me!” I moaned becoming restless in the bed I lay curled up in. Note was one of those ponies who just sent messages across Fillydephia. If he’s here annoying me then it can only mean one thing. I had a message, it’s that simple.
“Sorry Lute, though Red Eye wishes to speak to you. His exact words that I was to say are ‘It’s your big day’.” Note said the last bit in a low voice, probably to make sure it was only I who could hear it. Big day, I knew immediately right then and there. Today was the day the Mill had been restored and ready for operational uses.
I slowly got out of bed just when Note-pad was heading out the door. I took a good look around the barracks, seemed like most of the Slave Masters had already departed, most likely having breakfast or already at their posts, I didn’t know the time. The barracks was musty and filled with trash; nobody ever cleaned it up unless someone brought in the occasional slave to have fun with, if you know what I mean.
I went over to my footlocker that normally held nothing in it beside my 32. Cal. Revolver which was back in the days of The Pitt, a few packs of cigarettes, and a lighter. Clothing I wore all the time, I made my own in fact. Its leather based with a few scraps of metal here and there for protection. I slide the packs of cigarettes between my belt and holstered my 32.. I began to head out, but before I’d meet Red Eye I would have a small breakfast.
The Siren went off, I knew that sound. Meant all slaves report to your duties and start working on whatever shit you had to do. Lucky for me I don’t have to that anymore. I can just sit back and relax having a meal even when work hours started.
“Your late” a greenish unicorn mare with spiky hair spoke to me “shouldn’t you be with Red Eye by now?” word gets around fast here, in a barracks mostly everypony knows your privacy.
I acted cool and magically levitated out one cigarette from a pack, and lit it. I replied to her “like you care.” I gave a smirk puffing smoke in the air.
“Careful what’cha say around me shorty, just because you’re a lieutenant doesn’t change the fact that I once knew who you were before.” Many of the Slave Master did “You're still that little slave I saw fight in The Pitt.” She is right about one thing, I’m small. I’m about half the size of a normal adult stallion, hell I just reached stallion hood two years back.
I had a quick breakfast; some pre-war Sugarspell cereal was easy to chow down.
Now I was on my way to visit Red Eye, I knew were he’d be, at the newly restored Mill that I’d have. On my way I watched Slaves working back and forth, being whipped by slave masters, slaves attempting to… I’ll skip the details. It always reminded me just how that was me one time, being a slave, and now freed from all these atrocities. Though the atrocities never ended quite, old slave masters still remember who I once was and would always bring that subject to me. Then again I didn’t mind, I was practically invincible since becoming a lieutenant, they have to watch their own tongues, unless there a higher rank than me.
“Put yer backs into it! It’s only hot scrap!” shouted a voice with a crack of a whip not to far distant. Then another spoke “Aww your hungry… to bad! Now get to work!” and another “I thought I told you no resting!” Goddesses aren’t I lucky.
The trip to the Herbalist Mill took only minutes and a crimson coated stallion with a groomed black mane was waiting patiently, his right eye had a dark red glow for it was a robotic, his left eye was a pale blue, a cape was laid across his body which said on the back only ‘101’, and a funny kind of device strapped onto his left hoof. This stallion I knew by heart, everyone in Fillydephia knew this stallion by heart. Its Red Eye of course, they don’t call him Red Eye for nothing.
“Your twenty minutes late, Add-” I quickly interrupted him which could be the most stupid thing to do.
“Please-!” I cleared my throat “Forgive my outburst but, I changed my name to Lute if you recall Master Red Eye.” That was the most stupid thing I had done right there, though Red Eye seemed to take no offense and rephrased his words.
“You’re forgiven, and your twenty minutes late, Lute, would you care to explain?”
Red Eye kept a plain expression as I tried to formulate my words carefully. “Well Master Red Eye, You sent Note-pad to me and he came very late, I barely had breakfast.” I flat out lied, another thing to not do but, I really don’t want to look bad in front of Red Eye, nobody does.
Red Eye nodded and pushed the main door open “After you.” I thanked him with all sincerity I had and right when I took a hoof in I saw just how improved the Mill had become. Just by seeing this Mill from scraps and rubble to now steel tables, ingredients in large bins, intercoms looking partially new, and schismatics placed on walls for when a slave needed to know what to exactly do. This was turning out really nice, even if slaves restored the portion of it. I slide out a cigarette and lit it, I needed something to calm myself from excitement.
Red Eye gave me a full on tour of what section was to be which, most sections were to be of healing powders and other things that’ll help a pony, two sections were to be of drugs that are quite easy to become addicted to.
“I’m impressed Master Red Eye,” I let out a puff of smoke from my cigarette, before continuing “I don’t see any smoke for once above the Mills ceiling.” Most Mills had smoke at the ceiling because of all the pollution and working conditions.
Red Eye gave a smile “I’m glad, now I bet you want to see your office?” I wanted to nod vigorously but I needed to keep my cool and act mature, instead I gave simple nod as a reply.
My office was ground level which is unusual; most Slave Masters have their office on the second floor or in a small building right next to their Mill. It wasn’t all that bad, it turned out quite roomy. My jaw dropped open, just a little not a lot. My office held a rectangular desk with compartments, a terminal, filing cabinets, an intercom connected to the wall, and a chair steel. This day was getting better.
“I hope you don’t mind,” Red Eye was walking up to the desk “but I added an ashtray and a few packs of your favorites, I believe there ‘Manebarro’.”
My ears perked at the name, Manebarro, they are my number one favorite type of cigarettes, and they just had some kind of sweet favor to them. Red Eye was always generous to his slave masters, most of the time. I trotted up next to him opening the lower compartment and there they were, the ashtray and five packs of Manebarro, I can’t believe I’m going to say this but, I wanted to hug that stallion, no matter how evil he can be at times, he is the most generous pony I ever known.
“I… thank you, thank you.” I couldn’t help but repeat ‘thank you’ a few times.
“It’s nothing… I know you enjoy cigarettes, that is after all how you were sent to The Pitt, am I right?” My cheeks started to warm up, yes that is exactly how I got into The Pitt in the first place, because of stealing them off my masters if you recall.
In our time at my office Red Eye demonstrated how I am to use the terminal and to use it correctly, I’d seen these plenty of times but I had never gotten the chance to ever use one. Red Eye gave pure instruction of what each key is to do. I can send messages to other Masters in their Mills throughout Fillydephia, type up my own personal reports, also I could shut down the intercoms from the terminal as well if I didn’t wish to be disturbed. I gave it a try and started typing up a few words, I was sloppy but Red Eye said I’d get the hang of it if I practiced. Yet, practice was going to be short and Red Eye had other plans.
Stern the Griffon which is also Red Eyes second in command had entered and handed Red Eye a clipboard. Red Eye looked it over and thanked Stern, just when Stern headed right out the door.
“Now, Lute, this here is for you,” Red Eye placed the clipboard right on the desk for me “this here contains what overseers and workers you shall be receiving.”
I knew exactly what Red Eye meant, this is who I would be responsible for. The overseers as Red Eye calls them are just really other slave masters watching the slaves work while they just held there whips making sure they all did their part, and workers are just the slaves.
I looked over the names, I was to receive five overseers which is relatively small but then again this Mill had just opened up, and receiving of workers was twenty-five. I tilted my head in a confusion of the names that I saw for the workers, the first five sounded like common pony names but the last twenty seemed very off. I was curious and had to ask Red Eye such a question.
“Master Red Eye, I’ve never heard such names, where are they from?”
Red Eye calmly cleared his throat. “They aren’t Ad- Lute, they are Zebra’s.”
I creased my eyebrow questionably “What’s a Zebra?”
Red Eye put it to me clean and simple, Zebra’s were the cause for the Equestrian Wasteland, and they were the ones who burned this land with balefire and megaspells.
“-in any case Lute, these are just like any other equine, only stripped with black and white, it’s the only color I’d ever seen them in. Though they weren’t always the great destroyers of this world, many actually made herbs and magic without a horn, and an interesting culture that they hold, though they cannot be trusted. You need to remember that Lute, don’t trust a Zebra’s tongue.”
************
My robotic leg made a long hiss with every step I took to the main gate. It was common for my robotic leg to do such, since it was powered by a magical gem inside. The gem was most likely running out of power, I’d have to rest for a time by just not moving it, and then it would soon recharge. Blasted thing, this is what made it sometimes hard to get to certain destinations in Fillydephia, wonder if Red Eye has the same problem with his robotic eye, probably not.
As I approached the main gate I went up to one of the walls overlooking the wasteland, the wagons were on their way. A Slaver Griffon had gone ahead and brought in the count of how many slaves were captured this day, it was a good heist. Three wagons chalk full of ponies and I guarantee one of them Zebras, my Zebras. My damn responsibility.
I took out a cigarette and lit it, watching as the wagons closed in. Two ponies were having a side conversation, I decided to listen in. “Did ya hear ‘bout that rumor, ‘bout those Zebras we be getting?” said the first.
“Yeh, I did. Never seen one to tell the truth, but I wonder how they are” spoke the second as he snickered “I wonder how they feel to the touch.”
The gates had crawled slowly open with every creak and scrape it made. I gave out a puff as Slavers and Slave Masters cheered talking about all the new slaves, meat, and toys they have now, as if they knew anything. Right now as I know the first time I was brought in, I’d feel the same away as I did, small, scared, and alone as they taunted me with their bullshit. Red Eye would soon be giving his speech to the new slaves and tell them of the three options. Somebody had to do those jobs, they were voluntary (as they say) after all and could gain your freedom.
Option one was a two year work of salvaging Stable equipment, dangerous job since Stables had traps in them half the time. Stables were once area’s for ponies who sought refuge before the apocalypse was brought upon them. I won’t get into detail for I don’t know much.
Option two was working in the radioactive megaspell craters salvaging deadly radioactive material. To gain your freedom you had to be in those craters for four months, nobody ever survived those. Some took the risk, some lasted for a month, but I’ve never seen anyone earn freedom there.
Option three is fighting six rounds in The Pitt to earn your freedom; it was voluntary but only few ever volunteered, mostly slaves were punished to be sent to The Pitt if they ever did anything bad. If you remember that is how I was sent to The Pitt. Only one slave before had ever made it out of The Pitt and he chose just pure freedom, I was the second, and I choose Red Eye’s army.
I listened to Red Eye’s speech as if I had nothing better to do besides take a smoke. I looked over the clipboard one more time, twenty-five slaves, should I introduce myself a little early?
Red Eye finished his speech and the Slave Masters opened the wagons hauling all the new slaves to the FunFarm. The FunFarm was once an amusement park during Pre-War times run by that creepy smiling pink pony. That Pink pony was practically everywhere in Fillydephia, no matter where you look or turn you’ll see at least one old pre-war poster, or balloon in the sky of her. It’s inevitable to escape, you just have to get used to that face looking at you. I sat down on the my back haunches watching the slaves being hauled, they surely didn’t need my help. Besides I need to let the gem in my left hind leg recharge.
A few minutes passed and I walked about the FunFarm, Slave Masters were still showing new slaves to their quarters, wonder which one the Zebra’s would be in?
“Oh look, the so called champion returns, hey boys, look whose come to visit!” I turned my gaze to the voice calling me. It was a dirty blue coated stallion with an unkept charcoal mane.
“Why hello slave, do I know you?” I said it in the most sarcastic voice I could. Soon a gang of slaves formed around me, they glared at me with tired eyes. “What’s the matter? Don’t remember your soulmate Sticky?” I didn’t want to remember Sticky one bit, he was one of the slaves that tormented me like a slave master would, though the times have changed, his thick head just didn’t seem to ever get the message.
“Oh… sorry I haven’t heard of ya slave, now git! All of you!” with my demanding voice they didn’t budge. I sighed “Ya really want to do this now? Hell I could send ya’ll to The Pitt, why I could see Ste-” I was rudely interrupted by one of the ponies that encircled me.
“We don’t give two shits about your threats; we know who you really are.” I rolled my eyes, and noticed my cigarette was just now a bud, I spat and let it hit the ground. Then I spoke “Either you all get out of my face, or there will be hell, right here, right now.”
The aura on my horn started to light up, my holstered 32. was out and ready, and it was loaded. Finally Sticky spat and said, “Alright, we’ll do what the little runt wants, let him have his little victory.”
Sticky and the rest slowly departed away heading to wherever in the FunFarm. I theorized why Sticky gave up, a Griffon sniper was perched on one of the amusement buildings watching over the slaves. I continued to press deeper into the FunFarm. This trip had better be worth it.
I looked over the clipboard trying to pronounce some of the names. Zebras really do seem to stick out when they have such names foreign to our own. As I approached the mess hall, which was really just a old outdoor food court. I saw what I’ve been looking for, stripped bastards all sitting at the same table. How obvious since there fish out of water and seen none of their kind around here. Time to introduce myself, perhaps, play the slave, see if it helps at any.
I approached the table faking a limp acting as if I was put to hard labor. This to me felt like it was going to be easy, how wrong I’d be.“Min’ if I have a seat if the rest of ya” I gave a weak grin hoping the keep the act up.
One turned to look at me; his deep blue eyes were filled with sadness. “Leave us be.” He said in a very deep exotic voice.
“Why’s that?” I answered in response “I’m just’ looking for some company, I see yer new here.”
“Don’t listen to him Swakkeling, ponies know better.” Another said at the table, not even bothering to face me or Swakkeling as his name is.
“What, know better? Hell I’d think you’d be needing help,” I slide out a cigarette with my magic and lit it, taking in the good aroma in my mouth, then exhaling there way. “am I right?”
One Zebra pounded its hooves on the table and turning to face me, furry was in its eyes. “We wish to be let alone!” it had a female voice so this was mare. “You of ponies should know when to quit.” She started to get up from the table. This wasn’t going as planned. If she started to approach me, I’d know what to do.
“Ah, come now,” I let a puff of smoke drift out of my mouth slowly “I’m just trying to be a little friendly, its your first day here in Fillydephia, were all one big family here.”
The mare moved into a fighting stance, this was turning interesting. “Last chance!” she growled.
I just rolled my eyes “Wish it didn’t have to come to this,” I magically pulled out my 32., aiming it right at her chest “ya couldn’t have just... let me get to know ya.” She didn’t budge her stance, acting brave, and all that. “So, this is all twenty of ya aint it?”
“Nineteen...” Swakkeling replied
“Swakkeling!” the mare twisted her head glaring at him. I just became very curious, I am to have twenty, don’t tell me one died already.
“What do you mean ninteen? I am to be having twenty” I bit into my cigarette, least they know who's in charge of them now.
“You!? Your not our Master you stiff, no one shall!” The mare was probably boiling with anger just by her expression I saw. Swakkeling spoke out “Mother...” and then some other Zebra did “Swakkeling is right Woede, calm yourself.” Woede spoke in some tongue which I didn’t understand but seemed to have calmed herself.
Though, my question was never answered and I repeated it again. “Where is the missing one, if you're just only nineteen at this table?”
There was complete stillness till Swakkeling spoke up. “She was taken by yours, while still in chains, one said she’d be returned...” he drifted his head a ways before speaking again “...mostly.”
I let out another puff “And... did they say anything more, which way they might have gone?” I would need all the information I’d need to retrieve this Zebra back, I had a good notion of where she might be. The words ‘returned... mostly’ gave it away.
Swakkeling shook his head. It would still be easy, I had a good feeling I’d know where. “I’ll retrieve the slave back to you, though she may be... traumatized.”
I started to make my departure when Woede shout “Traumatized!?”
I craned my head and spoke in a low tone “Sometimes the Slave Masters get lonely... I’m sure ya know what I mean.”
************
Back in the barracks, night was falling soon and my robotic leg was giving out long hisses to squeals. Not much time left before it goes out on me. I checked the main rooms where all Slave Masters half the time bunked, yet no sign of a Zebra. Only one other guess, is they took her to one of those private rooms, to not be disturbed... I hate those rooms. Their on the second floor, they contained dried blood all over the walls, lots of dried blood. More of a torture chamber.
When reaching the second floor two stallion masters in scrapped barding were laughing hard heading the opposite direction, was I to late? I opened a few rooms, they just held dry blood and the occasional corpse. The room at the end of the hallway to the left is where I’d find the Zebra. When opening the door, there she was, legs chained, and sobbing on the mattress. She was small. Might just be a young. I soon noticed blood was covering her lower waist. As I expected, that, would happen.
She took quick notice of me and started to panic “No! Please No! No more! No! No! NO!” She attempted run but the chains that bound her legs made her trip. She went back to more sobs. I felt bad for her, she was going to be in a traumatized state, forever scarred.
I slammed the door shut as she sobbed “Relax... I’m just here to bring you back to the FunFarm,” I spoke in a low tone, wanting to console her. This was her first day in Fillydephia and she just experienced one of the worst things. “your gonna be alright.”
As I approached she shouted once more “No! No! You want the same! Leave me alone!” She brought up her head looking at me with complete fear with tears streaming down her face.
I let out a long sigh “Cry all you must... but I won’t leave.” I could wait this out.
I leaned against the wall and burned two cigarettes, waiting as she ran out of tears. Now she just laid on the floor, sniffling. “Are we ready?” She gave me no response, I fumed. I should just command or threaten but... hell it just didn’t feel right.
I stared at the dried blood walls for a while, this blood must’ve been here before I was even born. Of course there was the new blood which mostly covered the mattress instead. I began to hear hoofsteps coming down from the hallway, I hoped it wasn’t what I believed, I right this time.
The door slammed wide open, this time one stallion, and he was wearing a familiar scrapped barding. He had a black coat, a cyan mane, and his eyes were a green neon “So are we ready for ro- what are you doing in here?”
I looked at the stallion raising my hoof to empathize. “I could ask the same?”
The stallion grumbled “You're not the boss of me, besides this cunt hasn’t given me enough to satisfy me.”
He walked into the room and I walked in front of him. “Mind, stepping aside?” he growled, he must be desperate.
I gave a wide grin “No, cause you're done, now, out with ya.”
“I said, step aside...” he lowered his head so both of our eyes would meet. Guess he was trying to see which one would falter first, I was in no mood to just give up.
“You're messing with one of my slaves you know, Master Red Eye personally gave me them for a reason,” Are foreheads touched “besides, don’t you have better things to do?”
A hoof connected into my chin, I was flung backwards into the wall. The stallion was looking for a fight now, might be life or death situation. No time in talk, it’s all out brawl from here.
“You think your so tough!?” he shouted as my back hit the wall stopping me from fully falling to the ground. I stayed focused with the task at hand. I magically attempted to pull out my 32. but it got stuck in my holster, damn. He spun around preparing to buck me with his hindlegs, I sprang out of the way getting to my feet fast enough.
He made an angered scream coming straight towards me, now it was my turn. Waiting after all really did help. My robotic leg was recharge just enough. As he came came closer I waited, waited, and with a spin, hindlegs legs out, and it connected into the stallions chest. I heard the distinct sound of cracks being made in his ribcage, I cringed with that tune in my ears.
The stallion was now on the ground wailing, nursing his chest. He wouldn’t be getting up anytime soon. With that kind of a blow he’d have to regain some air. I got the chance to unholster my 32. and now pointing it directly at him.
“You have thirty seconds to leave this room!” I breathed heavily.
“You think... youre so... tough!” He gasped.
“twenty seconds!” I said plain and simple to him.
“I know... I know who you are...” he forced himself off the ground wincing with every attempt to stand tall. “...you're not one of us.”
I shrugged and replied “ten seconds.”
With that he made groans of pain when exiting the room, yet he had one more thing to say “You haven’t seen the last of me, ya hear...”
I slammed the door magically shut making a ‘tsk tsk’ with my mouth. I turned my head to the Zebra, she had her eyes wide staring at me, I just smirked “So... ready to go now?”
************
“Argh, hold on... we need to stop for a moment.” I said to the Zebra beside me.
My robotic leg was once again giving out. I’ve only rested the leg for a few minutes so it could only travel so far. If I’d rest for hours it would be recharge for a good mile or so. I sat down on my haunches pulling out a cigarette, while she herself sat next to me hanging her head low. The chains still bind her but I’m planning to remove them as soon as we make it to the FunFarm. I’ve come to know her name now, it was Vrede, I’ve tried to pronounce it correctly a few times but could never get it right.
I normally don’t try to strike conversation but I can’t stand listening to Red Eye’s speeches over and over on those speakers scattered throughout Fillydephia. Red Eye had those on repeat all the time, they would talk about how the slaves are for the new Equestria or he’d talk about his past and compare it to new Equestria. What I honestly think, Red Eye just wants world domination. Most of the Mills here are for weaponry, very few manufactured civilian products, such as mine.
“So...” I had a long pause, I didn’t know what to say.
Luckily she spoke up “I want to go home.” that I should’ve expected, every slave that had been taken away wants home, though they’ll never see it again. Soon enough all the slave lose their hope and just accept working till the end.
“What’da mean, this is home.” I answered, Vrede would have to understand that there is no such thing as escape. I could see her eyes welling up, more tears. “Don’t show tears, it can get ya killed. They’ll see ya weak and vulnerable.” Yet she sobbed, once more I felt bad, why am I feeling bad for her? I don’t normally feel bad for the other slaves who cry. I sighed “Look, Vrede...” I just didn’t know what to say “... nevermind” I looked up at the red sky and all the smoke that had fumigated Fillydephia. The Mills smoke had to go somewhere.
We waited about a minute or two before heading to the FunFarm. Vrede stopped her crying though had the most depressed look on her face. Once we reached the FunFarm I’d stop at the gate and remove her chains, allowing her to go on her own to find the others.
“Master... I don’t want to go back.” She said in a very low tone, this surprised me. Doesn’t she want to be back with her own in the FunFarm? The other Zebras were there, probably sleeping by now considering the time. It was getting darker every minute.
“Not go back...” I spat an old cigarette out from my mouth. “...Yes you do, the others are there.”
She shook her head, “I don’t, I want to go home.”
“Vrede this is home, accept it cause this is what your life will forever be.” She didn’t take the words in kindly. She screamed, and her scream pierced through my ears. “Vrede!” I slapped her across the cheek with a hoof, “Face it! Accept it! But don’t scream in another ponies ear just because he admits the truth!” By the Goddesses my ears were ringing. She went to the ground weeping again, no tears showed though, she must’ve ran out of tears to spill.
I had to carry her the rest of the way to the FunFarm, she just didn’t want to budge, that angered me. The FunFarm was in reach in just minutes so no pain on my back to say the least. I uncoupled the chains with a magical spell that all unicorns in Red Eye’s army have to learn if they wish to remove chains from slaves. Vrede implored me to not leave her at the FunFarm, I told her up straight that all slaves have to be here, whether they like it or not. There is an alternative but I’d have to do that, to prove that she was there for one reason only.
I lit one more cigarette heading in the direction to the barracks. Hopefully Vrede will be fine, Goddesses I’m now worrying about her, I shouldn’t be. I kept saying in my mind she’ll be fine for I’m pretty sure the other Zebras will help her out. They did come from the same settlement after all.
When entering the barracks the room was filled with sleeping slave masters all over, snoring, some cuddling with another, least there was none of that going on in the room. I spat out my last cigarette before turning in for the night. My dreams would be unsettling, worrying for one Zebra, Vrede.
Chapter two
“Stick Around...”
I didn’t get much sleep last night. I had the weirdest dreams which I just couldn’t seem to remember. I saw someone or something falling endlessly and then… I don’t remember anything after that.
I decided to not have any breakfast; I was going to be early this time, before the siren. Slaves were still sleeping or either that walking about the FunFarm waiting, maybe scrounging around for scraps to eat. Breakfast for them was a different story. Least they get a meal at the end of the day, mushed up oatmeal.
When I entered my Mill two slave masters were already chatting about, they’d soon turn their attention to me as I entered. I gave them a nod and they returned the favor, before resuming their conversation. I didn’t hear quite much all I heard was the word ‘Zebra’, guess they might be curious, over watching something new for a change instead of ponies.
I opened the lower compartment pulling out a fresh pack of Manebarro, and the ashtray placing them firmly on the desk. With that I turned my attention to the terminal switching on the power. The settings appeared on the screen,
Messages Sent: 0
Messages Received: 1
Reports: ---
Intercoms: Offline
Strange, a message received, from whom?
I pressed a key and the message opened up,
To: Lute
From: Red Eye
When you’ve received this message I wanted to include some things for you. A chemist (One of our best) is coming to your Mill to teach your workers how to properly make the materials we require. The chemist name is Doctor Poison, try not to disturb him during his session.
I’d also like to add that from this week forward your Mill will function like any other Mill unless given permission. Next week you may come to change the rules of your Mill how you see fit, note that this is all temporary, if I find things get out of hand I’ll have it back to working orders.
I myself will be keeping an eye on all progress.
Should’ve guessed, then again you can never be too sure.
************
I sat in my chair, with a hunched back, staring at the soft green glow from the terminal. This was boring, nothing was happening for me. The siren had gone off about an hour ago and Doctor Poison was already doing his job, least he isn’t bored, I think. Though, you can never know with Doctor Poison, he’s a bit of a strange fellow with his dark green mane, yellow coat and squinty green eyes.
A knock came at the door
“Enter.” I said.
The door opened and with it stepped in a tall mare with tattered barding of just scraps and a Laser Pistol strapped to her right hip. She had a short dark yellow mane with a red streak to the left side, it was messy like and her coat seemed to be a lightish gray. She looked tired, and worn out. It’s like she had chased down a slave for a mile long run. She made a yawn before speaking, “Morning Boss” she said brushing her mane back “Sorry to have been late, but you know slaves have to be taught a lesson sometimes.”
Look at those hips, posture, and those legs… damn. My imagination was taking me to places I shouldn’t even go to, yet I couldn’t help but stare for a good minute. Then with a blink, reality snapped in place, she was standing right at my desk giving me a smirk. I was at a loss for words.
She laughed and in fact encouraged me “Would ya like to have a look at my flank as well? Perhaps a full view?” she had a slight southern drawl when speaking.
“Ah- yes I mean NO! I mean… ya no, sorry. Couldn’t…” I slumped in my seat “…ya.” I couldn’t even formulate a proper sentence to her, Goddesses I’m such an idiot, what were you thinking Lute.
I tried to rephrase everything I once said before “No, but… let us make introduction’s better this time, I’m Lute and you’re…?”
She stuck out her hoof and I returned the favor by shaking it. “I’m Lazer Streak, though most call me Laz’ Boss, do you prefer Boss or Lute?”
“Either or” I replied. I magically pulled out a cigarette and lit it. The aroma in the office was about to get a little more smoky. “So… Laz’ do tell, how much experience do you have in Mills?”
“None, to tell you the truth Boss I was transferred not long ago.” She answered. This had come to my attention, a new kind of slave master working in Fillydephia? This had been all new to me now. I was curious.
“And what were you before?” I asked puffing smoke from my mouth.
“If you must know, I was a Slaver that lived in Old Appleloosa, there we just find ponies about the wasteland and from there on out we send them your way. That’s basically what Old Appleloosa is for ya know.”
I fumed, a memory started to bother me “Wonder if that’s where I was first taken.” I muttered
“Pardon”
“Hmh? Oh it’s nothing Laz’” I sighed “Just my thoughts.”
“Do they involve me?” She gave me the most seductive smile; I felt my cheeks warming up. I believe I was about to lose words once more.
“A… here actually” I decided to change the subject back to actual work, I shoved the clipboard in front of Laz’s face “How about you check to make sure all the slaves are accounted for, something that needs to be done right now this morning. I’m sure you’ve gotten acquainted or at least saw what the slaves look like.” I tapped the cigarette on the ashtray “After that assignment is done, return the slip to me and you can oversee from there on out the rest of the day. Sound good?”
She grabbed the clipboard in her mouth “Vvary.” She swiftly turned around, and I watched her hips move from side to side, as she left closing the door to my office.
It wasn’t long before Laz’ returned. She check marked all the slaves names that were present in the Mill, all were accounted except one. At first I believed it to be Vrede, still in the traumatized state as she was, but Laz’ said otherwise on the list. It was actually another Zebra that went by the name of Xenith. I told Laz’ to return to her normal duties in the Mill and oversee the slaves, while for me would send out a message to the ‘FunFarm Overwatch’, a group of Griffons that keep an eye out for any missing slaves. I gave them a simple message to look around for a missing Zebra slave that was required to be at the Herbalist Mill. If this Zebra Xenith wasn’t present today, it’ll be alright… though next day I want to see this one, working in the Mills.
The siren had gone off, working hours for slaves was over. Doctor Poison finished his lesson about two hours ago. I was now writing my first personal report of how boring my day really was. Though, it may have been boring the Zebra Xenith was never found today, that I put in interesting to my report. The Mill was silent and I could only hear the sizzle in my now burning cigarette.
After a final press of a key my report was finished, I soon pressed the power button shutting down the terminal and taking a much needed stretch from sitting in my chair half of the day. The evening was approaching and I felt as if I should retire to the barracks, or maybe for once have a conversation with Laz’, after all she is new and doesn’t know of my past, yet.
I exited my office lighting a new cigarette to my use. I looked about the Mill empty and quiet, fumes were still coming from smothered fire pits and the smell was dreadful, these Herbs had best be worth this awful smell. The smell though can only mean one thing; Doctor Poison did his job well.
Closing upon the main door I heard a soft weeping coming from somewhere in the Mill. I hesitated and listened more closely. I crept, trying to get a fix on the location, this had to be one of the slaves. I was a making a good guess, and my hunch would right. In the farthest corner, was Vrede, curled up in a ball. She looked awfully dirty as most slaves do become for the rest of their lives.
“Tsk tsk tsk, second day is always the one to bite you on the ass isn’t it.” I smiled, yet she continued to weep without even making a single glance to me. “Oh come Vrede, work hours are over, I see no stallion trying to grasp you. To my concern you should be back at the FunFarm having some oatmeal, with the rest.”
“I’m not going…” she whispered softly through tears “…I don’t belong here.”
I sighed “Vrede, you were caught, taken I’m sure from wherever, thrown on a cart and surly sent here. So you see you may not truly belong here, but you do.” I placed my hoof on her shoulder. “But why not go, your friends are there, are they not?”
“There not my… friends, not anymore.”
“And whys that, you all came from the same settlement, am I right?”
Vrede showed her teary eyes to mine and she whisper “I betrayed them…” she choked on a few tears before finishing her sentence “…all of them, everything I’ve done has been wrong.”
I puffed smoke into the fumed air around the Mill “So, they're not, you can make new ones I’m sure. Hell, were already friends, or… slave and master as I should put it.”
“Please, help me.” She wrapped her hooves around my neck “Please…”
I felt so terrible inside. I didn’t know what I felt right then and there, but something in me just… made me for once want to actually help.
I removed her off me, and asked “What kind of help?”
“Get me out of here.”
I shook my head “Vrede, that I cannot do, I don’t have any power in freeing a slave. The three options is your best bet, though…” there was another, which only slave masters ever used. It would keep Vrede still a slave, but I recalled something before. “…though I can take you away from the FunFarm, for a time. As I remember on the first day you never wanted to be there. This is the secret option that slave masters use for…”
“Do it, please!”
************
“Hold still Vrede,” I put chains on all four of her legs, this was a common rule that all slave masters did if bringing in a slave to the barracks or the second floor in my case that is “there, now we can enter.”
Upon entering slave masters were already enjoying themselves. Gambling, drinking, Griffons playing that silly weird game with their talons, and lots of conversations going about. Few gave out whistles when seeing Vrede and me together, their guessing I was going to do that, but I ain’t that kind of pony. Vrede kept close, her body was up against mine. She looked about the barracks nervously.
“Where are you taking me?” She spoke
“Second floor, I’m sure you remember your first day here, and I ain’t doing any of that with ya, I find it disgusting. You’ll be safe, well, safe away from the FunFarm in your case.” I said in a plain tone.
When reaching the second floor I heard sounds coming from other rooms. I’d have to be careful and choose a room that was vacant. I don’t want to disturb any of the others, especially not the others.
“Well…” I opened a door that was in the middle of the hallway and looked about, blooded walls, a drawer, an old window smashed, and a dirty mattress. No sign of anyone present here “alright, this rooms free, get in.” I waved a hoof at her. She entered with haste as the chains slid across the floor with her.
“Thank you so much…”
I slid the door shut before speaking “huh, don’t thank me got it, I’m only doing this cause I’m feeling bad for ya today.” I popped open a new pack of Manebarro on my belt, pulling out a fresh cigarette to burn “So, you stay here, don’t leave and I’ll be back shortly with something for ya to eat with.”
“Y-You’re… leaving me? Alone?” she shuddered
“Not very long Vrede, just to get us something both to eat. Aren’t you the slightest bit hungry?”
“Now that I think of it… yes.”
I opened the door and told Vrede one last time to stay put. I don’t need a slave walking around on the second floor alone, or be alone on the first… that would be messy. Heading back downstairs I went to the kitchen, a party was going on. All mares and stallions alike were completely wasted from beer to whiskey. I didn’t want to get caught up in this, so I opened a pantry quickly and grabbed three items I didn’t even bother to look, I grabbed them in the magic of my horn.
“Hhhhhheeey” a hoof slapped across my back and I turned around to see Lazer Streak, completely wasted “Hav’ I ether tell you, yer hot?”
I couldn’t help but chuckle when hearing her slur. “No, you haven’t Laz’, but I’m sure that’s just the whiskey talkin.”
“Yer a thying bastard” her hoof press hard on my chest “I told… I told you. All thes’ wones and pricks. You’re, feeling…” her head started to get closer to mine. She spoke in words I didn’t wish to describe, half of them I had no clue what she said. I felt my cheeks going red hot; I needed to get out here.
I took a step back only for my flank to bump against the pantry. The crowd became muffled in my ears as Laz’ was right up against me. She kept moving her head closer, The smell of whiskey on her breathe was strong. It started to get really hot in the room.
“Look behind you!” I made an excuse; she just stared at me for a brief second before turning her head. Now was my chance to make a run for it. I sprinted right passed her to only be tripped by other party goers. They told me to fuck off, so I did, with the three items still in my magical grasp.
I ran up the stairs headed to the room and slammed the door shut behind me. I dropped down panting, I’ve never put so much pressure on my body in a while. The sounds of hissing came from my mechanical leg.
“What’s wrong?” Vrede was lying down on the mattress with her head perked up.
“Nothing…” I took in a deep breath of air “… just a party downstairs, that’s all.”
The items I salvaged was a bag of hay chips, sparkle cola, and half eaten box of Sugarspells. It was a fair amount to get, considering I’d be stuck here a few more hours with Vrede. Wasn’t as bad as I thought.
I popped the cap open of sparkle cola and took a swig, carrot flavor, how original. I stared at Vrede, she was still lying on mattress just staring at the bag of hay chips.
“Ya gonna eat that?” I asked
“Hmm? Oh… ummm yes just…” she ripped the bag open with her teeth and chips splattered on the ground. “…oops.”
I chuckled and took another swig of sparkle cola. Looking out the window I could see the red around the city becoming darker every minute, soon night would be upon us.
“The Red World will be dark soon.” I said
“What?”
“Ya know, the sky the ground everything. It’s a Red world in Fillydephia. You know Red Eye, hell you saw him on that first day. Ya see I call this the Red World cause when you take the time to look about. You come to notice that everything is red. Could be blood, the clouds, dirt, all sorts of things, this is how Red Eye wants the world I think…” I gave a chuckle “…his new world all red, maybe a hint of black.” Vrede just stared at me questionably, I shrugged “You’ll… notice it one day, maybe.”
As it grew darker so did the room. Vrede and I didn’t talk much, we had a sentence here and there to each other but nothing too serious was happening. The resources for dinner was exhausted and we both took the chance to get shut eye.
************
I woke up to a constant coughing, while lying on the mattress beside Vrede. My body was in shivers and ached all around. I felt so out of shape, so drowsy, and sick to my stomach. I need a damn a cigarette, it always helps when I get sick. Hell, who knew cigarettes are good for you.
The last I had something like this I popped a cigarette in my mouth and boom… I was better already. As I hacked away, a forcibly opened a new pack with my hooves for I just felt like I couldn’t even use my magic. Once the pack opened and cigarettes scattered about the floor I just picked up the first one and shoved it in my mouth. Felt, good… not good enough, I needed to light it. Where was my lighter?
I looked about my barding and belt but couldn’t find the lighter. It must’ve fallen somewhere, but where? Let see the last time I had a cigarette was… was… dammit I can’t remember! Come on Lute, ok think hard, think hard. Then it came, I never had a cigarette since I brought Vrede in! The lighter could be anywhere!
“Fuck me!” I shouted, waking up Vrede without even noticing. I forced myself onto my hooves and looked about the room hastily “Where is it, where is it!?”
Vrede yawned “Morning.”
“Morning? Morning?” The cigarette that was once in my mouth fell to the floor, I didn’t care “I’ll say when it’s fucking morning when I find my damn lighter!” I frantically searched about the room, every corner, every crack, anything to all, it felt like. I wondered if I lost the lighter at the party, Damn!
“Is this it?” Vrede held an aluminum casing, my lighter. I snatched the lighter from her grasp and started pulling the trigger to a get any kind of lighter fluid going. With a few tries, poof, the magic of fire appeared. My cough grew worse, now I should care about a cigarette! I lit the first cigarette that caught my eyes and just let the aroma fill my mouth with grace.
The shakes, the sickness, drowsiness all seemed to fade away. I took a good inhale of smoke before exhaling it out my mouth. I turned my attention to Vrede, she was the one after all to have found the lighter.
“Did you hide it?” I gave her a glare.
“No…” she yawned again “…it was under right beside me.”
“Alright… I’ll take your word.” I was just glad to have a cigarette in my mouth.
We were early in the morning but that’s ok. Better to get up early than to be late, yet I liked being late, though all that has to change since I have to now manage the Mill.
“Get up, start moving. We’ll head to the Mill, and you’re in luck to have a small breakfast on the way.” Why not? Were already in the barracks anyways.
“I thank you, Master.” Vrede gave a weak smile as she carefully got onto her hooves not wanting to trip on the chains.
“Come now…” I opened the door for her “… you have work and so do I.”
Around the barracks, the party goers (or slave masters as I should put it) were completely passed out on the floor, they are not going to have a good day when the siren goes off I can assure you. I even saw Lazer Streak, passed out murmuring to herself in an awkward manner. I snickered, that’s what she gets for being drunk.
The cloudy sky was becoming a fine red. I had already removed Vrede’s chains once we left the barracks. We were both heading to the Mill now, by the time we’d reach the siren would go off and that would still give us some time to be lazy for we would have to wait for the others.
Five minutes passed and...
AAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGggggg
There it goes, and here they come.
I was already situated in my office, staring at an off screen terminal. I was staring at my reflection, trying to get my messy blue mane all straightened out. I had also come to notice that I had huge bags under my eyes, guess I never got enough sleep, though I should’ve.
Vrede could be anywhere right now in the Mill but that’s fine, I trust that she’ll do her job, but for that Xenith character who didn’t show up yesterday, better know to do so now. Otherwise hell will come her way.
I activated the terminal to check and see if anything was new.
Messages Sent: 1
Messages Received: 1
Reports: 1
Intercoms: Offline
Nothing was new. The message received was the old one Red Eye sent to me, the message that I sent was to the Griffon overwatch and my first report was just about how all went well besides one Zebra showing up. I sighed lighting a new cigarette to smoke, in all this was probably going to be another boring day.
An hour passed and I could hear the sounds of machinery now being operated. The Mill was now in working order. I don’t need to ever leave the office but, I want to see how this stuff is made, after all since Doctor Poison is gone and I can’t disturb him anymore, there’s no harm in watching the slaves is there?
I exited my office with a cigarette in my mouth, and clipboard and pen in my horns magic. The section about me was all at work. The smell was awful but then again, Fillydephia always smelt awful. No harm in breathing bad smell, it’s the radioactive craters you have to be wary about. I looked on the clipboard; it was the old one that Lazer Streak had, all names were check marked, besides one. To be creative I put a slash opposite of the check marks and make them an ‘X’ so I’d know they were present in the Mill. Vrede, I knew was already here so I marked down her name first.
“Name?”
“Pounder” the slave pony said in a hoarse voice. I slashed the check mark for him as here. Beside him was a Zebra, he looked familiar, from the first day, though more masculine. “Your Swakkeling, right?” I pointed the pen to him.
“No, I’m Krag, his brother.” He glared at me “and I despise you for believing I’m him.”
“Sorry slave…” I check marked his name “… but you all look alike, it’s hard to know the different sometimes. Do you all have to be striped?”
“Never compare me to him again, teef.”
“What’da call me?”I gave him a serious look “You best watch your tongue, I could take it from you, slave.”
“You think you’re so tough, all of you, you're nothing without a weapon in hoof.” He grabbed some white powder off the table and spat into it “this is what I think of your new world.”
I laughed “Not my world. No, Red Eyes world, and I can guarantee you something. You’ll be off to The Pitt soon, oh yes. Keep it up and I won’t have to deal with you ever again. You won’t ever see your fellow slaves again. Now get back to work!” I walked off as he scowled. If he wants to be a thorn at my side, I can easily change that thorn to someone or something else.
I continued marking down all the ones present, just three more and I’d be done. Those three were Swakkeling, Xenith, and Woede. With notice there they were, at one steel table together working on some kind of brew, as it looked.
“Hey.” I turned to see a blue unicorn stallion with a slick red mane, his eyes were gray, he had a cutie mark as a whip and ironically a black whip strapped to his side. He magically welded an assault rifle of some kind and wore metal barding with spikes coming off the shoulders, his eyes were a kind of velvet “aren’t you Lute?”
“Yes?” I replied.
“Shit! Yer that one who fought in The Pitt right?”
How did he not know this? For crying out loud it’s been a year, by now they should all know. Hell he shouldn’t even be excited; in fact he should be insulting me at most. I lit another cigarette. “Ya that’s me, where’ve you been all this time, years gone by.”
He had a gleeful smile on his face, I didn’t like it. He seemed to cheery, way to cheery. “Oh, well… I’ve been busy with balloon patrol ya know. I wanted to transfer and take on something more, simpler.”
“Right…” I said exhaling smoke “… and you’ve finally met me. Excuse me if you would please. I have names to take down.”
“Shouldn’t one of us do that for you sir?”
I creased my eyebrow at him “Are you questioning me? And here I thought I’m the one giving the orders.”
“Oh yes sir, sorry sir. I’ll just… head back to my post.”
“Please do.” I smirked.
I approached the steel table where the three Zebra’s worked. They had their hooves in a kind of powder. Woede I think was the first to notice me and gave out a long growl as I continued to approach.
“Why do you come, to mock us!?” Woede spoke
“Name.” I said plainly
“You think of us as trash, you already know then.”
I looked up at her eye to eye “Name.”
“Mother please, just tell him.” Swakkeling spoke in a sad tone.
Woede glared back at Swakkeling with daring eyes. “This is why you’re no longer my son! You coward and act as a child, be firm like your brother!”
“I’m just going to mark you down as Woede, and I’d like to say your son right here has more courage than the other. He’s already getting warnings, and I have some options coming already if his attitude isn’t cleaned.”
Woede scowled “Then he is doing something courageous! He is a true warrior, never to faultier!” She pointed at me “You are nothing!”
“Whatever.” I turned my attention to Swakkeling “name.”
“Swakkeling”
I smirked “Good boy.”
I turned my attention to the final zebra, this for sure had to be Xenith. “name.”
No response, she just continued to work.
“Name.” I asked more sternly.
She still didn’t respond. She gave a glance to me but kept going at her work.
“She doesn’t talk…” Swakkeling said “…But her names is Xenith I can assure you.”
I marked down her name off the clipboard. “Xenith… hmm, next time show up for work. Maybe that’s why you don’t talk; Griffons cut your tongue hmph? Did they find you and not tell me and instead toy around with you, is that it?”
No response, no facial expressions she just worked.
“Least you’re good for something.” I said before trotting away.
That counted all slaves to be here today, no one is absence which means nothing for me to do. I could head to the office and smoke a whole pack till the days end, or take a nap, maybe both, doesn’t really matter. The Mill was in working order and no mishaps. This was going to be a breeze.
CRASH
Celestia… never let me say things like that again, when is anything ever a breeze in Fillydephia.
“I said get back to work!”
“Make me!”
Crack, Crack, Crack
I heard the sounds of shouts and cracks of a whip not too far from my location. I was curious; this would be interesting instead for me. Guess this would be the first mishap for my Mill, damnit, would have to happen sooner or later I suppose.
Crack, Crack, Crack
“ARGH, ENOUGH”
Picking up the pace I found an encirclement of a few slaves crowding around an area in the Mill. A steel table was flipped over, contents had been spilled… that white powdery stuff. Through the crowd I saw two figures fighting about. It was an all-out brawl it seemed hoof to hoof, no weapons involved.
I took out my 32. and did the most thinkable way possible to break up the crowd and possibly the fight.
Bang
I fired my 32. sky high. “Break it up” I said and the crowd turned their attention to me “All of you, back to work!” The crowd scurried back to their working stations while the two on the ground continued to brawl. Seemed to be a Zebra, by the look of it Karg (I don’t know they all look the same to me half the time.) while the other… that blue unicorn stallion.
“I said break it up!” I aimed my 32. this time at the two.
Bang
“RRRRMMMM”
My shot connected, I hit what I believed to be Karg, I couldn’t tell the difference like I said before half of the Zebra’s look the same. He started to bleed from the right upper shoulder. He collapsed on the ground, and with that the fight was over.
“Erm… thanks” said the unicorn.
I didn’t bother to say ‘you’re welcome’ I just pointed my 32. right at Karg’s chest. Karg was clentching his wound with a hoof twisting and turning with pain on the ground. He reminded me of something, something I did long ago. I shook off the thought, old memories needed to be erased. This was the present and the present was now.
“Name slave!”
Karg showed furry in his eyes, he didn’t look none too happy to see the one who fired upon him.
“I said, name!” I raised my tone higher.
He started laughing wickedly, forcing himself to get onto his hooves. Blood oozed madly out of his right shoulder and yet he seemed to be persistent enough to get back up.
“One last time,” I pointed my 32. right at his forehead “name!”
“You of all… know my answer, I hate this place… though you need me, you do, for I see it in your eyes that you need me…” he started to teeter while trying to stand firm “… you’ll need us, no matter how hard, you won’t kill… me for you need, your teefs” he began to take small hoofsteps towards me “Yet, you’re the teef, all of you are teefs! Ponies like you can never be a true, and that is why we-”
Bang
I pulled the trigger. The bullet went through the forehead and out the back, he collapsed in a second. He laid there, tongue out, his yellow eyes wide open, coat and mane getting covered in spilled blood. I took a good long look at him, and spat at his corpse. I looked about, the Mill went silent, and this was my chance to say something.
“Let this!” I shouted while pointing my 32. at Karg’s corpse “Be a message to you, all of you!”The Mill was silent for a good long minute before the sounds of work could be heard again. The slaves stared at their work, not bothering to even take a glance at me or Karg’s corpse, all except two, two Zebras. He could’ve gotten a second chance… all he had to do was obey my order.
I turned my attention to the blue unicorn “You, clean up this mess and then meet me at my office for a talk.”
“Sir I-”
“Not a word from you! My office, after this mess is cleaned up!”
He was in shock by my tone of voice and quickly levitated the body with magic to be brought out of the mill. I breathed heavily when heading back to my office. I was not in a happy mood; I lost one slave because of one’s stupidity. Damn, this is going to be reported and now I’m one slave short at a table… I’ll have to find out when the next shipment of slaves will be.
I was typing my report when a knock came at the door.
I let out a long sigh “Enter.”
The blue stallion with the slick red mane entered, “Sir it was-”
“Not a word, not until you’ve answered all my questions.” He went silent as he approached my desk, I in turn lit a cigarette so I’d be more prepare for the questioning.
“Now, gimme your name.”
He groaned “It’s Whiplash”
I put my forehooves together “Whiplash, explains a lot already”
“It’s not what you think sir. You of all ponies should know that.”
I gave him a stern look “Not a word I said, now, explain your reason for interference with the slave.”
He rolled his eyes. “It’s like any other day in a mill, a slave loses it and he had it coming anyways. He was spitting in the ingredients, I whipped him for it and he flipped over the table so I whipped him even more as punishment and he was all like ‘don’t give two shits’ and attacked me, simple as that.”
“So you was the first to act.”
“Well… ya cause of him spitting, you should know how a punishment works. You of all ponies should.”
I removed the cigarette from my mouth “And why’s that?”
“You was once a slave yourself,” he clicked his tongue “We only do it as a punishment.”
I made little chuckles then burst out laughing. What is he for real? “You…” I tried to simmer, wiping a tear from my eye after so much laughter. “You honestly think that?”
“I know I do… its how my momma taught me.”
I cleared my throat “Tell you what; I’ll give you a hint. My punishment was every fucking day.” I lifted my cigarette to his face “Sure I stole cigarettes from my masters back then but I’d get a punishment no matter what I did. Shovel some scrap, punished, walking around FunFarm, punished, talking to another slave for just a freaking second, punished.” I slammed my forehooves on the desk, pointing at him “Get it! So you best be telling me the truth!”
“I-I do… um I am… sir.”
“Now, get out. Do your job, do it right.” I said in a low growl
He fast walked his way to the door slamming it closed. I turned back to the terminal finishing up the report.
************
Working hours were over, and the Mill was dead silent. I sat in my office room listening to the silence now, no more hearing kinds of machinery or fire pits or anything like that. The occasional gunshots went off now and again in Fillydephia, but this was a new kind of quiet for once. I watched my cigarette smoke hit the ceiling seeing if it would do anything spectacular, it only stuck to the ceiling, looking for a way out.
A knock came at the door. I looked at my terminal to check the time. Working hours had been over for at most two hours. Who could still be here?
“Enter”
The door opened, it was Lazer Streak, looking cheerful. She almost pranced up to my desk. What’s with her?
“Hey Boss, you coming to The Pitt match today, Red Eye just scheduled one since so many slaves volunteered.”
She wants to know if I want to see a Pitt match?
I put the worn cigarette in my filled ashtray smothering it “How do you know about The Pitt, aren’t you new to Fillydephia?”
“Well, I’ve never seen one, but I heard other slavers talk about it back in Ol’ Appleloosa.” She smiled “They say it’s the best sort of entertainment to watch, other slaves fight for their freedom in a deathmatch, so I was wondering if you’d come to the show”
“No”
Her smiled dropped “…What?”
“No, I don’t watch The Pitt, it’s pointless.”
“Nor do I wish to experience it again” I muttered softly to myself.
Lazer gave me an awkward look “But… doesn’t everyone go to The Pitt and watch, surely boss, you’ve watched it.”
“No, never have, never will.” I lit a new cigarette, and another pack became empty. I tossed the empty packet in a dented trashcan.
“But… Why not?”
“It’s what I think.” I exhaled smoke, watching it hit the ceiling again.
“Why won’t you come? Surely you’ve seen at least one.”
“Never.”
I actually watched them when younger but later on experienced them. But I didn’t want Lazer Streak to find out what I really was back in my youth. She doesn’t know which is good, though one day she may find out.
“So…” she looked about the office “What do you do then, if… you don’t go?”
I sat back in my chair lazily “Nothing really, I don’t do a whole lot Laz’. I’m sure you’ll enjoy watching the Pitt, I’m just not into that kind of entertainment.”
She brought down her head “I see” she turned around walking away sulking “maybe you just don’t have the time for a mare like me.”
I rolled my eyes, wait… is she… nah can’t be, must’ve heard that wrong. Though, I did want to know something.
“Laz’”
She brought back up her head “Yes?”
“Did you… come to work today?”I hadn’t seen her all day at the mill. Wonder if she took the day off cause of being so drunk.
“Well I…” her cheeks started to go red, and started to rub the back of her neck “I was…”
“Out getting drunk last night and woke up the next morning not remembering a thing.” I gave a wide smirk, crossing my forelegs.
“Y-ya…”
“Try not to kiss me the next time you do that, alright.”
Her face now went red, yet she smiled to me “When I get the chance next time, can I, Boss?”
I chuckled a little “We’ll see, doubt it. You’ll regret it if you do.” I waved a hoof to the door “Now, run along like a filly and go have some fun at The Pitt.” And she actually did, she skipped like a filly before closing the door.
************
I took a stroll down the empty streets, almost everypony goes to watch The Pitt matches. If you’re a slave or slave master you can watch all the entertainment you need. The upside about The Pitt for the slave spectators is they get to have food and drinks, no pay involved it’s free to watch.
My left hind robotic leg gave a long hiss as it felt the rubble of asphalt and then a squeal when I stopped. It had to be now. I sat down in the middle of the street with no one around me. In the far distance I could hear the sounds of cheering, it was for The Pitt. It’s just that loud and I’m nowhere near it.
I sighed looking up at the dark red clouds, I’ve always wondered what’s it like beyond those red clouds. What was it that dad said of what’s beyond…
+_+_+_+_+_+_+
“Daddy… I’m scared, it’s too high up.”
“How do you expect to survive in the Manehatten if you can’t even make it to the next skyscraper.”
“Help me…”
“You have to this alone Addict, you have to do this alone.”
“But… ok…”
“Just a hop, skip and a jump”
“One… two… argh!” Addict leapt, his forelegs stuck out in front of him, hoping to make it to the next side. His forelegs only caught the ledge, and he began slipping! “Dad! Dad! DAD!” Addict screamed while trying to hold on. They were thirty stories up and this could become a nasty fall.
Addict’s father grabbed Addict by the mane with his teeth and pulled him up. Addict clung to his father having his eyes closed tightly and not letting go of his father.
“Addict… let go.”
“I want down I want down.”
His father sighed “Alright, but first let go,” then something caught his father’s eye “Addict look it’s… the sky, look Addict.”
Addicted removed himself from his father’s chest and looked up at… just clouds he didn’t see anything different. “Daddy… all I see are, clouds… what’s a sky?”
His father looked disappointed “I wish you saw it Addict, the sky is a rare sight for ponies out here.” His father looked at him “The sky is something that was locked away from both our times, dates back before the war, you remember what I told you about the war correct?” Addict nodded “Well, the sky is this blue ocean up above; it’s endless and always continues, forever. Ponies back then always lived under it, not under endless clouds.”
“So… does that mean the skies coming back?”
“No Addict… it just something to see once, once in a lifetime.”
+_+_+_+_+_+_+
A loud roar of the distant crowd made me flash back to where I am, who I was now. I lit a cigarette and let the aroma fill me. Memories are something I want gone, but they will always come back to haunt me.
A sound from behind gave me a jolt down my spine. I turned my attention to the sound but nobody was there, yet curious about the sound. The sound appeared to have come from a narrow alleyway that looked filled with junk and old debris.
“Hello?” there came no response.
I cautiously took steps closer to the alleyway observing every detail I could to make sure this wasn’t a trap. I looked down the narrow alleyway it was dark and filthy, typical alleyway in Fillydephia unless it’s one used to transport supplies from one Mill to the next.
I pulled out my 32. checking it’s barrel… only three bullets, damn. I left my ammo pack back at my footlocker; these three bullets would have to do.
“Hello… come out, and you won’t be harmed.” Still no response. I entered keeping a keen eye for anything suspicious.
I was only four steps into the alleyway when I saw a trashcan a ways back flop to the ground. It rattled and contents of what it held spilled. I’m not alone, someone’s here. Come to think of it I wonder, could it be Vrede? Maybe she’s just scared of me, she did after all see me kill a po- zebra.
“Vrede” I spoke in a loud tone, my voice carried through the alleyway “If that’s you come out, I promise I’m not going to harm ya.”
No response came, and I continued to forge deeper into the alley.
Twenty steps in and a wicked laugh was heard. I know that laugh… my eyes widened, before I knew it Sticky sprang out behind a large dumpster giving a wild crazy smile. “My little Pitt champion come to see me, on this fine day.” He stood proudly not faulting with my 32. pointing to his head.
“Sticky, I’m not your…” I was getting filled with rage “Get the hell out of my sight before I blow your-”
Crack
A whip out of nowhere snapped against my 32. making me loose it’s grasp in the magic of my horn. I rushed to regain my gun in magical grasp but I was too late. Sticky made his move, catching me unprepared for a fight. Sticky’s hoof connected into my left eye. The blow sent me backwards whiling wailing in sheer pain.
I landed directly on my back, I was dizzy as my eyes tried to focus back on my surroundings.
“Awww, my little champion forgot to dodge.”
“Shut it slave, he’s mine now.”
I craned my head to see a stallion black coat, cyan mane, scrap barding, and a whip held in hoof.
“Y-you!” I said groaning. I remembered him, he was the one that did that with Vrede. If I recall he said ‘you haven’t seen the last of me.’
He snapped the whip down against my leather barding. Pain could be felt but no blood was spilled.
“Shut it!? We had a deal!”
“Right, well it’s off now! He doesn’t get any pleasure from you or anybody. He’s nothing but a slave himself that should’ve died like everyone else!” I couldn’t believe Sticky was still trying to get me, this is what he wanted from me again! I’m not his bitch, not anymore, hell I never was.
The whip snapped, striking my muzzle hard. I screamed putting a hoof to my now bleeding muzzle. Blood started to fill up one of my nostrils and it made it harder for me to breathe. The two were now bickering at one another, on who gets to do what first. The black stallion suggest Sticky could have his way with me when I’m dead and Sticky wanted me alive… figured, this is an opportunity for me.
While still on the ground I thought of a plan, it was going to be a long shot but I had no choice. I needed to get to The Pitt; it would be the only safe area because of the crowds.
Crack “Get out of here slave, you can have him when I’m done!”
“Ow! Fuck you, I get first dibs!”
During the plan I would be weaponless, it was out of my magic’s reach, Even though it felt close it wasn’t. Now, I needed to plan this right, needed to know when to finally make a break for it. Sticky was on the dead end path, so I think, and the black stallion was blocking the exit.
I’m going to hate myself for this.
“Sticky…” The two both shut up and looked at me with anger in each eye. Goddess forgive for what I’m about to say “… I want to feel your skin against mine, tug on my ears like you used to.” I said in a sultry tone.
“Ha- see he wants-”
Crack
The whip struck Sticky against his chest. He howled but he was through, he was tired of this slave master pushing him around. He did the unthinkable just to have me. Sticky leapt to the other side striking the slave master across the cheek, after that strike all hell broke loose between the two.
Now was my chance.
I sprang up to my hooves and made a b-line for the exit. The two didn’t bother to notice me till I accidentally tripped on the already tipped over trashcan. Now instead of them fighting one another, they were back after me. How the hell did Sticky work with a slave master in the first place?
“Get back here, I ain't done with ya.”
“He’s mine you got that!”
Back on the streets and they were still after me. They were much faster than I am, though I have a head start to say the least. My robotic leg is the one slowing me down, for them they have their own. I need to survive, if I wanted to die, I wouldn’t want to die by these two.
“We’re gaining on him!”
“Wrong! I am!”
I heard a thud from behind, something must’ve happened to one of them. Which one is after me? I can’t look back it’d slow me down. I need to keep my eyes where I’m going.
My robotic leg started to give out short hisses with every running step I took. Robotic leg don’t fail me now, I don’t need you giving out.
“I thought you wanted it, Addict!”
I halted into place; the entrance into The Pitt was insight. I could have just kept running without a problem and easily slip away. Though, something made me stop. It was the calling of my old name. That forbidden name that was never to be my name again, it made me stop.
I turned around to face only one, not two, just one. Sticky, he was coming up to me at full tilt. Fury filled my eyes for he said something that he should know by now is long dead and gone.
“Never!” I planted my feet firmly to the ground “Call me!” I prepared myself for a full on tackle “By that name!”
Sticky collided right into me; we connected in each other’s hooves fighting one another to see who would win. It was mainly all wrestling no hoof fists, no kicks, just seeing who could take down the first by power.
I was in no size to bring down such a stallion as him, but I had to try. Sticky had to be taught a lesson even if it meant costing everything to me. I wouldn’t let him win, I couldn’t let him win. This fight was all for a name that needs to be forgotten.
At first I was on top, bringing him down. Keeping all my weight onto him. It wasn’t enough, he got the upper hoof with his back hind legs pushing me off. Now it was me being put down. I made a loud ‘oof’ when my back slammed against the asphalt. Sticky sat his large flank across my stomach making it hard for me to breathe.
I threw punches that didn’t seem to affect him. I panted looking furiously at him while he had a smudge little grin across his face. The crowd in The Pitt cheered loudly, I don’t know what happened but Sticky seemed to take an advantage to it.
“Looks like the crowds in my favor honey; it seems we are going to be putting on a show.” I glared at him trying to keep myself breathing “I’m not planning on being gentle.”
As he brought down his head closer to mine, I did one thing possible in defense.
“Neither am I!” I slammed my horn right into his left eye. He screamed in pure horror, my horn literally went through his eye. A sickening ‘pop’ sound was heard as Sticky recoiled backwards yanking out his eyeball from his socket. His eyeball stuck to my horn, and I retched by the sight of it.
“You bitch, you bitch, you bitch!” he kept screaming simultaneously
Sticky was pissed, and I mean pissed. Blood was gushing out of his left socket. He pounded his hooves on my chest, hard. Every pound he did made it harder for me to fight back. I was losing, he was winning. I couldn’t think of anymore options to get out of this mess.
Damnit. Not like this.
Phht
A laser bolt struck Sticky from the back of the head and the bolt came out the front. His entire body collapsed onto me, he was weightless.
Sticky was dead.
I laid down, taking in gulps of air, catching breath. I don’t know who fired but whoever did, thank them.
I heard Stern announce something that I couldn’t make out and it sounded like the crowd from The Pitt was leaving. The entertainment must be over. All I could think was a crowd gathering around seeing a corpse and me lying about.
Just like that it did happen, a slave master came up with a smile and laughed, then a few more others joined in, both slave and master. They all communicated talking about how they missed another fight, wishing they could have seen this. Others thought otherwise.
I pushed off Sticky’s body in order to sit up on my back haunches. I looked about the crowd now, it was gathering in numbers. Some laughing, others talking, and some actually stunned. I could see a Zebra in the background, couldn’t tell which one.
After all the adrenaline wore out I started to have all the aches and pains spread through my body. It wasn’t pleasant.
“Ish thsh whad yoh dro wen yohr dron’t crom to sth Pitth Bohs?” I looked up and saw Lazer Streak coming beside me. She was holding a Laser Pistol in her mouth. I could only come to the solution that she was the one responsible for ending Sticky’s life.
“Hey look it’s the old Pitt champion.”
“No shit, I think we just missed something good here.”
“Isn’t that Sticky, Oh hell, Bell Star’s gonna be pissed.”
I couldn’t listen to this much longer. I forced myself back onto my hooves. I didn’t need to hear anymore. All these slaves and masters just looking at me, made me remember The Pitt days. This for them was like any other match, just one out of The Pitt.
I pushed myself passed the crowd, I felt blood trickle down my muzzle and to my mouth. Masters and slaves alike commented, thinking that I was the one who killed Sticky, they congratulated me on nothing, giving me comments that weren’t needed. I’m not that kind of pony, not anymore. I’m not the champion from The Pitt; I’m not the slave they remember. I’m Lute, a different pony. I’m not the same pony anymore. I don’t want to be that pony anymore.
My robotic leg was hissing and squealing like madly. Goddesses don’t make me have to stop here, not now. Let me just get out of here, let me just get some distance from the crowd.
“What Pitt champion?” I heard the voice of Lazer not too far off, was she following me?
“You don’t know. Shit mostly every slave master knows, that dirty coated yellow pony with the blue mane once used to be a slave… till he earned his freedom, he’s the second to ever survive ya know… mostly.” Ignore them, all of them Lute, just keep moving. You know sooner or later she’d find out.
I shut my eyes hanging my head low when pushing through the crowd. I didn’t need any more of this. I just needed to get away from all this.
************
I returned back to the alleyway this time it wasn’t a threat. I searched about for my gun, and whatever else that might be useful around. I spat out an old cigarette and brought out a new one to light. Something made me wonder though, what the hell happened to the black stallion?
Sticky must’ve have had to trip him or something but I’d think the stallion would’ve gotten back up and still be coming after me, or did something change his mind?
A heard some hoof steps coming from behind I craned my head over to see, it was Lazer Streak giving a disappointed look.
I returned back to my search not wanting to look at her anymore. “If you have anything to say, just say it.”
“Pitt Champion…”
I found my 32. and put it back in its holster by levitating it “Yes.”
“You’ve earned your freedom.”
“Yes”
“And your real name is actually Ad-”
“Say that fucking name! I dare ya!” I glared at her “I’m not him anymore, I’m not that pony anymore. I don’t want to be that pony anymore. I’m Lute, so get it straight whether you think I’m still a slave or not!” I turned away and sat down on my back haunches, I couldn’t go any farther. My robotic leg was done, I pushed its limits. “I’m just a pony who’s to manage a Mill… nothing more nothing less.” If tears were to come from my eyes I would never show it.
Her hoof came to my shoulder, and I shook it off. She put her hoof on me again and this time I didn’t bother.
“If you won fair and square then by all means, you’ve earned it.” her voice sounded happy
I hung my head low “It doesn’t feel like it, I was to actually die, my punishment was The Pitt.”
Lazer walked around to have a face to face kind of talk. I kept my head low, I didn’t want to be seen right now, I didn’t want anyone near me.
“Who was that pony anyway?”
“Sticky”
“Old friend?”
“More like his play toy back in the day.” I spat on the ground “I’m glad he’s gone, I’m glad you killed him.” yet someone else is out to get me, that black stallion has to be found. He’s a slave master so he should be easy to find.
“Your welcome, Lute.” She actually said my name this time.
Yet, this was going to be embarrassing to ask next “Could you... do a favor for me?”
